Danville Express

Calendar - February 3, 2006

Community Calendar

Art

Alamo/Danville Artists SocietyFour local artists have paintings on display from 9-5 p.m., at the Danville Town Offices, 510 La Gonda Way. This event will continue through mid-March. For more information, call 939-1278.

Secrets of Plein Air PaintingThe Alamo-Danville Artists' Society will host plein air artist Mark Farina at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Mark paints in both watercolor and oil with a loose impressionistic flair. The session is free to artists and art lovers. For information, call Ginger at 837-6414 or visit www.adas4art.org.

Auditions

Author Visit

Careers

Careers

Civic Meetings

Danville Parks and Leisure Services CommissionThe Commission meets regularly on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.

Danville Planning CommissionThe Commission meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.

Town Council MeetingThe Danville Town Council normally meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.

Class Reunions

Classes

Clay Character Modeling for KidsDanville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a Clay Character Modeling for Kids class from 10-11:30 a.m., Saturdays, for ages 6-13. Michael Yen is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $86 for four weeks plus $15 for materials. For information, call 838-1959.

Oil and Acrylic Painting ClassDanville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers an Oil and Acrylic Painting class from 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays, and from 7-9 p.m., Wednesdays. Charles White is the instructor. Classes are ongoing and for all levels. Fee is $84 for four weeks. For information, call 838-1959.

People, Pets and Wildlife Portraits ClassesDanville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a People, Pets and Wildlife Portraits class on Thursdays for all levels. Beth Batchelor is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $30 per class or $100 for four weeks. For information, call Beth at 837-5654.

The Art of DrawingDanville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers the Art of Drawing class from 6-8 p.m., Fridays, for all levels. Ron Norman is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $140 for eight weeks. For start dates, call 838-1959.

Watercolor Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a Watercolor class from 6:30-8:30 p.m.,Thursdays, for all levels. Karen Mason is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $84 for four weeks. For information, call 838-1959.

Alamo Merchants and Professional AssociationAMPA meets the second Tuesday of each month for its business luncheon, at 11:30 a.m. for networking, and noon for lunch, including a guest speaker, at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo. AMPA also holds a mixer the fourth Wednesday of each month. For information regarding the luncheons and mixers, call Barbara Malan at 831-3329 or visit www.alamobusiness.com.

Alamo Women's Club FederatedThe club meets on most Wednesdays at its clubhouse, 1401 Danville Blvd. It holds a business meeting and tea the second Wednesday at noon; meets for Mah Jong at 10:30 a.m. the third Wednesday; and holds a luncheon with program at noon the fourth Wednesday. For information, call Jean Stringfellow at 552-9733.

Alamo-Danville Newcomers' ClubThis club is open to new and long-time residents of Alamo and Danville interested in making new friends while learning more about the area. Many activities are available. A prospective member coffee is held the fourth Thursday of the month, and a monthly luncheon on the second Tuesday. Call 775-3233 or visit www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com.

Bay Area Single Christians BASC club is a free, large, online group with event listings for Christian single adults around the S.F. Bay Area. See information at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bascsingles/.

Blackhawk Republican Women LuncheonThe Blackhawk Republican Women will host speaker Michael deLeon, a member of the Minuteman Project, at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, at the Blackhawk Country Club. The cost is $16 and reservations are required by Feb. 10. Call Barbara Duffy at 837-7679 or e-mail baduffy@juno.com.

Blue Star Moms CaliforniaBlue Star Moms is a support group for families of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It meets at 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the month, at the Danville Veterans Hall, 400 Hartz Ave. Call Peggy at 866-7035 or Patty at 838-9096 or visit www.bluestarmoms.org.

Business Development NetworkBDN is a group of professionals that share resources and develops business through relationships. It meets 7:45-9 a.m., the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Denny's, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Call Bonnie at 648-0222.

Business Network InternationalThe Danville Chapter of Business Network International, a world-wide networking organization that focuses on helping local businesses grow through building strong networking relationships, meets at 7 a.m. every Friday at Denny's Restaurant on Camino Ramon. For information, call Glenn Polanco at 831-3372.

Danville AM Toastmasters ClubThe club meets from 7-8:30 a.m., every Tuesday, at Father Nature's, 178 E. Prospect Ave. Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Dave Miklasevich at 899-1543 or dmik210@yahoo.com or www.danvileamtoastmasters.org.

Danville Lions ClubThe Danville Lions Club meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Brass Door Restaurant, 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Join us as our guest to learn the contribution you can make as a Lion. For information, call President Ted Fichter at 227-6617.

Danville Women's ClubThe Danville Women's Club meets for lunch and a program at noon the third Thurday of each month from September to June at the Clubhouse, 242 Linda Mesa. The club is holding an afternoon of bridge on Friday, Feb. 10. Lunch will be prepared and served by the "good cooks" of the club. The cost for lunch is $15 per person. To reserve a place or table, call Helen at 820-2621. For information, call 837-7528.

Danville-Alamo Garden ClubThe Garden Club monthly meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Alamo Women's Club. The speaker will be local landscape designer Kristin Yanker-Hansen presenting a program on winter blooming plants. For more information, call Maureen at 560-9574.

Diablo Singles Dance ClubDiablo Singles Dance Club dances regularly the last Wednesday of the month from 7:30-10:30 p.m., at the Arts Education Building, corner of Ygnacio Valley Road and Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. The cost is $7 for members and $9 for non-members. All are welcome.

Diablo Valley Networking GroupCome join this dynamic team of business professionals to network and promote your business at 7:30 a.m., every Tuesday at Father Nature's restaurant in Danville. For information, e-mail Coach2Excel@aol.com

Diablo Valley Single ParentsThis group meets at 6:30 p.m., on various days each month, and at different locations in the valley. Contact Rich at abersr@toast.net or 838-9487.

Diablo Valley Women in BusinessJoin the Diablo Valley Women in Business at their bi-monthly networking breakfast for a lively discussion of mistakes that women make and a new mindset for turning blunders into opportunities with the authors of "This is Not the Life I Ordered: 50 Ways to Keep Your Head Above Water When Life Keeps Dragging You Down!" from 7:30-9:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at the Crow Canyon County Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. The cost is $25 for members and $40 for non-members. Register at www.dvwib.org

Friends Book Discussion GroupThe Friends Book Discussion Group meets at 11 a.m., on the second Thursday of the month in the Mt. Diablo Room in the Danville Library. February's book is "The Devil in the White City" by Eric Larson. For more information, call 837-4889.

Kiwanis San Ramon ValleyThe San Ramon Valley Kiwanis meets from noon-1:30 p.m. every Thursday, at Mudds Restaurant in San Ramon. Meeting includes a guest speaker and lunch. For information, visit its Web site at www.kiwanis-srv.org.

Mt. Diablo Macintosh Users GroupGet questions answered, solutions for problems, share experiences and explore new Mac developments. Club meets at 7:30 p.m., the third Monday of every month, at the Alamo Safeway Community Room. For information, call 837-1111 or 829-5501.

Porsche Club of America, Diablo RegionThis club is for owners and enthusiasts of all Porsches. It meets at 8 a.m., every Saturday for breakfast at Denny's, 803 Camino Ramon, Danville. For information, visit www.pca.org/dia.

San Ramon Valley Exchange ClubThe San Ramon Valley Exchange Club invites you to join them at noon, the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, at Faz, 600 Hartz Ave., (sign in at 11:45 a.m.). RSVP 275-2412. Join Chris Suter, Asst. Fire Chief and Al Martin, Communications Volunteer from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District at Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 8. An optional tour of the communications command vehicle will be at 1 p.m. The cost for lunch is $16.

San Ramon Valley Genealogical SocietyThe society meets at 10 a.m., every third Tuesday of the month, except August and December, at the LDS Church, 2449 Stone Valley Road. Guest speaker at every meeting. All welcome. For information, call Ed at 299-0881.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club HikesThe San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking Group invites prospective members to join as they explore East Bay Regional Parks. The group meets at 8:30 a.m., every Friday. Hikes are usually two hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. For information, call Sharon at 735-8960.

San Ramon Valley Rotary ClubThis club meets for dinner at 7 p.m., each Wednesday, at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Guests are welcome. The club offers a great way to make new friends while making a difference in your community. Call Bill at 838-9110.

Tri-Valley Writers AssociationThe next monthly luncheon meeting will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb 4 at Girasole Grill, 3180 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton. Writers of all levels are welcome. The cost for lunch is $18 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For more information, email Steve Workman at skworkman@aol.com.

Benefit Concert for Vietnam YouthTraditional Vietnamese music performer Van Anh Vo, the Viet Spring Folk Ensemble, clarinetist Bill Wohlmacher and pianist Ellen Wassermann, along with the Canh Chim Bach Viet dance and Hung Vuong martial arts troupe will perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton. All proceeds will be donated to Viet Nam Health Education and Literature Projects, a nonprofit organization helping children and communities in Vietnam.Tickets are $12 at the door. For more information, call 275-9250 or visit www.vnyouthprojects.net.

Early Music Concert SeriesLouise Carslake, baroque flute; John Dornenburg, viola da gamba; and Yuko Tanaka, harpsichord, will perform the works of Telemann, Handel, Couperin, Marais, and Leclair at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Las Positas College Library, building 2000, in Livermore. The suggested donation at the door is $10 for LPC students, faculty and staff and $15 for general admission. For additional information, call Marilyn Marquis at 424-1209 or e-mail mmarquis@laspositascollege.edu.

Holiday and the Adventure Pop CollectiveThe San Diego-based Holiday and the Adventure Pop Collective is bringing its unique subdrenched countrified sound back to the Bay Area at 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, at the Crown Pub, 331 Hartz Ave., Danville. This concert is free. For more information, visit www.adventurepop.com.

Blankies for Grown-UpsCommunity members are invited to attend a Quilting Bee from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Mt. Diablo Medical Center, 2540 East St. in Concord. Learn the art of "quilting" and help make comfort quilts and afghans for cancer patients, wounded veterans and other seriously ill adults. No experience is necessary. The event is free and all quilt-making supplies will be provided. If you have a portable sewing machine, please bring it along. Reservations are not required. For more information, call 943-7290.

Child Abuse Prevention LuncheonAn awards luncheon, "It Shouldn't Hurt to Be a Child," hosted by the Auxiliary for the Child Abuse Prevention Council, will honor those who have made a difference in the lives of abused children, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. Enjoy champagne, appetizers, a sit-down lunch, silent auction, and fabulous drawing items. Cost is $65. Call 939-7801 or visit www.capc-coco.org.

Claws for Paws Crab FeedEnjoy all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad, bread, tea, coffee and dessert, plus dancing and drawings, from 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb 11, at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. in Pleasanton hosted by the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR). A cash bar will provide other drinks. Individual tickets are $40, or purchase two for $75, or a table of 10 for $350. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.clawsforpaws.com, www.tvar.org, a TVAR adoption event, or by sending a check to TVAR Crab Feed, P.O. Box 11143, Pleasanton, CA 94588. For more information, email: events@tvar.org.

Contra Costa Rose SocietyYuka Johnson of Hida Tools in Berkeley will demonstrate and talk about "Hand and Gardening Tools from Japan," at 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, in Walnut Creek. This event is free. Call 681-1551 or visit www.ccrose.org.

Danville Rotary Crab FeedThe Danville Rotary International is sponsoring a Crab Feed at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. Isidore Church, Small Gym, 440 LaGonda Way. Proceeds will benefit the proposed SRVHS Aquatic Center and other community activities. The cost is $40 which includes salad, crab, pasta and a prize drawing ticket. For tickets, call Mike at 837-2027 or Victor at 838-8721.

Farmers MarketThe Danville Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., every Saturday, at the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, at the corner of Railroad and Prospect avenues. Call 825-9090 or visit www.pcfma.com.

Father/Child Valentine PartyCelebrate Valentines Day through songs and dance and create a special "Daddy and Me" photo from 6:30-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Danville Community Center. Fees are $45 for residents and $54 for non-residents. For registration or information, call 314-3400.

Old Town Danville Walking TourCelebrate Valentine's Day early with a docent-led walking tour of Old Town Danville at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, starting at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Ave. This event is free and no reservations are needed. For more information, call 837-3750.

Outdoor Adventure Faire Crab FeedA crab feed will be heldat 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Veteran's Hall, 400 Hartz Ave., Danville to benefit the "Outdoor Adventure Faire," a free children's fishing and sporting expo for ages 5 -12, especially at-risk children. Music will be by Tom Lucia's band and there will be a drawing. The cost is $40, which includes salad, crab, pasta and bread. Call Jim at 820-3874 or Pete at 719-1950.

Super Bowl Crab FeedViet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley is hosting its second annual Super Bowl Crab Feed at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. The cost is $35 per person (crab feed), and $15 for children 13 years and under (pasta, salads and garlic bread). There will be TVs set up for viewing the game, drawings, prizes, a silent auction and photo opportunities with the Oakland Raiderettes. To secure reservations, make check payable to Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley and send to VNVDV, P.O. Box 2079, Danville 94526-2079. For information, call Mr. Estes at 288-0084 or (510) 985-2437 or visit www.vnvdv.com.

Tour of the Blackhawk MuseumBlackhawk Museum sponsors a docent-led tour of the museum's Renowned Exhibitions at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The tour is free with admission. For information, call 736-2280.

Exhibits

Beasts in Your Back YardThe new exhibit at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley features fossils excavated from the Blackhawk Quarry in the late 1930s. The exhibit features a mastodon replica, the skull of a saber-toothed cat and other fascinating fossils. The exhibit is running through April 22 at the museum, 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. The hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission fee but donations are encouraged. For more information, call 837-3750 or visit www.museumsrv.org.

Film

Film

Fundraisers

Climb Against the Odds-Mt. Shasta 2006Breast Cancer Fund's seventh major mountaineering expedition, "Climb against the Odds-Mt. Shasta," will take place July 7-13 at Mount Shasta. The cost and registration is $1,750, cost of week's climb. For information, visit www.breastcancerfund.org, e-mail connie@breastcancerfund.org or call (415) 346-8223, ext. 30.

Wheelchair Foundation Charity BallThe Wheelchair Foundation Charity Ball is a black-tie event featuring hors d'oeuvres, dinner by Scott's Seafood, silent and live auctions, and dancing to live music, from 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Blackhawk Museum. For more information, call 648-3829 or 280-9679 or visit www.wheelchairfoundation.org.

Health

Yoga ClassesThe Diablo Yoga Center offers community classes (taught by student teachers), from 4-5 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays, at the Diablo Yoga Center, 125A Town and Country Drive, for $8 per class. For information, call Lauren at 838-7878 or visit www.diabloyogacenter.com.

Holidays

Kids & Teens

Adventure GuidesThe San Ramon Valley YMCA offers three programs for fathers and their children. Formerly Indian Princesses and Guides, the Adventure Guides are Junior Explorers (pre-school to kindergarden), Guides and Princeses (kindergarden-3rd grade), and Trail Blazers (4th-8th grade). Fathers spend special times with their sons and daughters, camping, rafting, at sports events, bowling and much more. For more information, call 831-1100.

Cars, Cards at Blackhawk MuseumCars and Cards is a Hands-On Program created for children and their families. The cars of the 1920s and 1930s display design elements such as streamlining, art nouveau and art deco motifs. Enjoy working on activites that relate to poster art of that period, make art deco style valentines and enjoy a related snack activity, from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Blackhawk Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, call 736-2277 or visit www.BlackhawkMuseum.org.

How to Write a Book Report WorkshopLindamood-Bell Learning Processes will present its "Making the Grade: How to Write a Book Report" workshop at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at its Danville Learning Center, 645 San Ramon Valley Blvd. For more information, call 837-4532 or visit www.lindamood-Bell.com.

Musical Theatre Production ClassCurtain Up Productions in conjunction with the Mt. Diablo Regional YMCA is offering a Musical Theatre Production class of "Snow White and Friends." Children will rehearse once a week and then perform a 45-minute mini musical at the end of the session. Classes are from 2:30-4 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 8 through Mar. 29, at Rancho Romero Elementary School, 180 Hemme Way, Alamo. The cost is $198. Class size is limited so register soon by calling 831-1100. For class information or questions, call 978-2300.

Street Smarts Skate Nights is backSan Ramon and the Golden Skate are co-sponsoring Street Smarts Skate Nights, from 6:30-9 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month until May 17 at the Golden Skate, 2701 Hooper Drive, San Ramon. Come and start a season of fun, prizes and learn about traffic safety. For information, call Darlene Amaral at 973-2655.

Lectures/Workshops

B2B Power Exchange WorkshopB2B Power Exchange presents "Leads Group for True B2B Business Developers," at 7:45-10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Mimi's Cafe, 4775 Hacienda Drive in Dublin. The cost for non-members is $35, which includes the cost for breakfast. B2B focuses on helping entrepreneurs, consultants and business developers who sell to senior decision makers at companies with $10M or more in annual revenues. To register, call 201-3410 or visit www.b2bpowerexchange.com/dublin.htm.

Creating an Income You Cannot OutliveKim Financial Advisors Inc. will host the first in a series of free seminars for those who are planning to retire within the decade to discuss new approaches to managing retirement income from 6:30-7:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silverlake Drive, Danville. Call 242-2274 or visit http://kfainc.com.

Decline of American CatholicismCatholics@Work will host a breakfast at 6:45 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, which will feature Dr. Jerome P. Baggett, Associate Professor of Religion and Society at the Jesuit School of Theology, speaking on the Decline of American Catholicism. Cost is $20 for members, $27 for non-members. To register visit www.catholicsatwork.org/EventDesc.aspx.

Home Ownership Vs. RentingAt this seminar, "Why it Still Makes Sense to Buy Versus Rent, the Housing Bubble...Media Myths and Industry Facts," learn the true cost of renting, the tax advantage of home ownership, how to overcome the fear of purchasing a home and more at a free seminar at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, hosted by Meridian Financial, 2694 Bishop Drive, Suite 202 in San Ramon. To register, call 328-4903.

How to Make Yourself Irresistible to a PublisherThe California Writers Club, Mt. Diablo Branch, is hosting David Cole, owner and principal of Bay Tree Publishing, to explain how to make yourself irresistible to a publisher, at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Hungry Hunter restaurant, 3201 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in Lafayette. The cost is $17 for CWC members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are required by Wednesday, Feb. 8, and can be made by contacting Camille Minichino at (510) 881-8929 or camille@minichino.com.

Internet Essentials Find out how to conduct effective Internet searches, learn about the different search engines, and how to perform searches on the library catalog, from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Danville Library. Registration is required. Call 837-4889.

Rose Pruning WorkshopPresented by the Town of Danville, a free rose-pruning workshop will cover seasonal pruning techniques, dead-head roses, and integrated pest management. Bring hand pruners or small hand loppers. The workshop will begin at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Osage Station Park, 816 Brookside Drive, North parking lot.

Literary Events

Ayelet Waldman Book SigningJoin Ayelet Waldman at a reading and signing of her new book, "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits," a portrayal of a modern New York family lost in a fog of grief, anger, jealousy and, of course, the love that put them all together, at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb., 16, at Rakestraw Books. For reservations, call 837-7337.

Cities in the WildernessThe Commonwealth Club of California presents former Secretary of State and Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt discussing and signing his books, "Cities in the Wilderness: A New Version of Land Use in America" and "Building a Future We Can Live In: Planning for Smart Growth and Land Use," at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the new Lafayette Veteran's Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Tickets are $15 members, $25 non-members. This fee does not include the book.

Elm Battersby Book SigningJoin Elm Battersby, a Danville resident, for an evening of reading and signing of her new book, "Even As It Stings," at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Rakestraw Books, 409 Railroad Ave., Danville. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to a local women's shelter. For more information, call 837-7337.

First Wednesday ProgramsThe Friends of the Danville Library and Tri-Valley Community Foundation sponsor First Wednesday programs in the Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, October through May, with the exception of January. Subjects include art lectures and slide shows, music programs, and book and author programs. The program is free and everyone is welcome to attend. For information, call 938-7323.

Library Book DiscussionsThe Book Discussion Group has chosen books for 2006. The discussion group meets at 11 a.m. the second Thursday of every month from September through May at the Mt. Diablo room of the library. Everyone is welcome.

Ross KingRoss King will read and sign his book, "The Judgement of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade that Gave the World Impressionism," at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Rakestraw Books, 409 Railroad Ave., Danville. This event will be a potluck brunch and requires reservations. Call 837-7337.

Live Music

Miscellaneous

Adopt a New Best FriendTri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) offers wonderful animals for adoption every Saturday and Sunday, excluding most holidays. On Saturday, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., dogs and cats are available at the Pleasanton Farmers Market at West Angela and First Street. Dogs and cats are also available at Petco, San Ramon; PetSmart, Dublin; Pet Foot Express, Dublin; Pet Food Express, Livermore and Pet Extreme, Livermore. For dates and times and other information, call TVAR at 803-7043 or visit its Web site at www.tvar.org.

Hats Off America 10K Run/5K WalkThe Hats Off America (HOA) Red T-shirt 10K Run/5K Walk will be held beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Sycamore Valley Park, 2101 Holbrook Drive in Danville, rain or shine. The entry fee is $35 per person. All runners and volunteers will receive a red T-shirt and food after the run. HOA is a nonprofit organization that raises money for families of soldiers who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. For information and to register, contact Sparky George at 855-1950 or e-mail thebearflagrunner@yahoo.com.

San Ramon Valley Youth and Government ProgramThis year's San Ramon Valley Youth and Government students will hold a mock hearing before local dignitaries for feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the legislation the students have prepared for a Sacramento meeting mid-February. The bill hearing nights are from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, for San Ramon Valley and California High Schools; and Thursday, Feb. 9, for Monte Vista, Los Lomas, Campolindo and Miramonte. Both events are held at Diablo Country Club. The public is invited. For more information, call 886-4720.

Save Mount DiabloSave Mount Diablo publishes upcoming hikes and events on and around Mount Diablo, to raise public awareness, appreciation, and support to preserve open spaces on and around the mountain. For information, visit www.savemountdiablo.org.

On Stage

'Bye, Bye, Birdie'The Monte Vista High School Players are excited to present "Bye Bye Birdie" at 7 p.m. Feb. 8, 9, and 10 at Monte Vista High School, 3131 Stone Valley Road in Danville. Tickets are $10 and available by calling 552-2878.

'My Fair Lady'The Diablo Light Opera Company presents the music and magic of broadway in "My Fair Lady," at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 17 through March 18 at the Hofmann Theatre, Dean Lesher Regional Center For The Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Call 943-7469 for tickets or order online, www.dlrca.org.

'Wigged Out!'Victoria's Hair on Stage in downtown Danville presents the outrageous musical comedy "Wigged Out!" most Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. through June at Victoria's Hair on Stage, 520 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Wigged Out, voted "Best of the Best" in the Tri-Valley for two years running, is produced by Shelly Award winner Jeff Seaberg. Tickets are $38 and can be purchased at Victoria's Hair on Stage Box Office, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday or by calling 855-7469.

'Wrong Turn at Lungfish'The Role Players Ensemble Theatre presents a production of "Wrong Turn at Lungfish," a story of a blind and bitter college professor and his encounter wth a saucy, street-wise young woman. Performances are at 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 20 through Feb. 11, at the Danville Town Meeting Hall, 233 Front St., Danville. Ticket prices are $13 - $22 and can be purchased at www.villagetheatreshows.com or call 314-3463.

Discover ElderhostelJoin local Elderhostel Ambassador and participant, Ann White, as she presents the learning opportunities and adventures offered through Elderhostel, the largest educational and travel organization for older adults ages 55 and over with nearly 10,000 programs in 90 countries at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Danville Library, 400 Front St. For more information, call 837-4889.

Laugh ClubMedical research has proven what people have known for ages. Laughter is good for you. Join us for a half-hour laugh session at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the San Ramon Senior Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. This event is free. Call Fred Turner at 216-4590.

Prime TimePrime Time, a non-denominational gathering of "seasoned citizens," meets from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Tuesday at the Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado. Various activities are offered in addition to educational speakers and day trips. A special presentation beginning at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31 will feature "The Good Time Performers". Free tax help for taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to those age 60 and older will be held Tuesdays, Feb. 7 - April 11. For an appointment, call Gloria at 837-5229. A home-cooked meal is served at noon for $3. Feel free to drop in or call Ruth Ann at 820-6387 for information or to be added to the mailing list. Need transportation? Call Gloria at 837-5229. "There are no strangers, just friends you've yet to meet."

St. Isidore's Young at HeartThe Young at Heart meet from 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m., every third Tuesday at St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. Mass at 11:15 a.m. is optional. Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m. at no charge. Nonprofit bingo follows. Reservations appreciated. Call Joan Singer at 820-4447.

Spiritual

Sports

Adult 5 on 5 Basketball LeagueThis 5 on 5 league will feature games at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights at the Los Cerros Community Gym. For more information call 314-3482 or visit www.ci.danville.ca.us.

Danville Sea Devils Swim TeamThe Danville Sea Devils Swim Team will be holding new swimmer registration from 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Danville Station clubhouse, located at the end of Zephyr Circle in the Danville Station. All abilities between 5 and 18 years are accepted. For more information, visit www.sea-devils.org or call Donna Grier at 831-8689.

Danville Tennis ClubThe Danville Tennis Club meets 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 9-11 a.m., Saturdays for drop-in tennis at San Ramon Valley High School. This free co-ed club provides play for 4.0 to 5.0 and very strong 3.5 level players. See information at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danvilletennisclub.

Indoor Soccer for Boys and GirlsThe Town of Danville is bringing soccer indoors this winter for youths ages 3-7. "Mix It Up" is an introduction to soccer, with footwork and proper skill development emphasized in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Classes are on Sundays from Feb. 5-Mar. 26 at Los Cerros Community Gymnasium, 968 Blemer Road. There are several classes for ages 3-5 and 6-7. The cost is $65 for Danville residents and $73 for non-residents. For class times and to register, go online to www.ci.danville.ca.us, visit the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St., or call 314-3400.

Learn Tennis, Get Free RacquetLearn to play tennis in six hours and receive a free Dunlop Tennis Racquet. Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association, new classes start the first Monday of each month, from 6:30-8 p.m., at San Ramon Valley High School. The cost of six hours of group lessons is $100 per player. Lessons taught by former world ranked tennis professional/30-year coach. To register, call Brett, USPTA P-1 at 683-2460.

Mustang Soccer LeagueOnline registration will be held for the Mustang Soccer League from Feb. 1 through March 31. Fees are $175 per player, except for the U6 Mustang Pony Program which is $100 per player. For more information, call 831-1323 or visit www.mustangsoccer.com.

San Ramon Valley Tennis ClubSan Ramon Valley Tennis Club is looking for new members. We offer league play for women throughout the year for both A and B players. Games are played on weekdays, during the day, in the East Bay. Membership fee is $30 per year. For information, call Laurie at 820-0695.

Walnut Creek Tennis ClubWCTC is a free, co-ed tennis group for single adults of all ages and levels (primarily 2.5-3.5). It plays drop-in tennis from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays and Sundays at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek (S. Main). See information at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/wctc/.

Support Groups

American Chronic Pain AssociationThe ACPA group meets from 11a.m.-1p.m. every second and fourth Monday at the Community Presbyterian Church Library at 222 W. El Pintado Road.

Bipolar Support GroupThe Tri-Valley Support Group provides free peer support for people with mood disorders. It meets from 7:15-8:45 p.m., every Wednesday at St. Clare's Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. Call 560-0842.

Breast Cancer Support GroupThis is a staff-facilitated support group for women with breast cancer. It meets at 6:30 p.m., the first Wednesday of each month at the San Ramon Regional Medical Center, 7777 Norris Canyon Road, in the West Day Room of the South Building. Call Lisa Peguese at 275-8414.

Cancer Support GroupsFree support, education and stress management for cancer patients and their loved ones, including general support groups for all types of cancer patients as well as cancer specific groups for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, brain tumor, support groups for caregivers and life after cancer. Groups meet at the Wellness Community, 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek. For times and days, call 933-0107.

Danville TOPSThe Danville chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 9 a.m., every Tuesday at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 1550 Diablo Road. Call Bob Blendow at 935-9344 or Rosemarie at 838-7870

Fibromyalgia/PainThe San Ramon Valley Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Support Group meets from 7-9 p.m., every other Monday in Danville. Call Denise for location and information at 837-0510.

Food Addicts in Recovery AnonymousAre you having trouble controlling the way you eat? There is a solution to weight and diet obsession. This effective 12-step program has proven results. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins. This group meets from 8-9:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave. in Walnut Creek. For a complete listing of East Bay meetings, call 314-1832 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

Hospice Offers SupportHospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa offers a variety of support groups and workshops for people experiencing grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Individual grief counseling for Hospice families is also available. Groups are offered from 7-9 p.m., Friday evenings at the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo. All groups and workshops are offered without fee and require preregistration. For a schedule of groups in the Pleasant Hill area, for additional information and/or to register, call 887-5678

Overeaters AnonymousThe group offers a 12-step approach to issues around food, overeating, anorexia and bulemia. It meets from 7-8 p.m., every Tuesday at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. No fees. Call Susie at 275-1391.

PFLAGThe Danville/San Ramon Valley Chapter of Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a support group that meets at 7:30 p.m., every third Monday at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Call 831-8172.

Widow and Widower's SupportHospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa is pleased to offer a support group for widows and widowers from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday evenings from Jan. 25-March 15 at the Hospice's administrative office, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill. For further information and/or to register, call 887-5678.

Volunteering

Alzheimer's AssociationThe Alzheimer's Association of Northern California, East Bay branch, seeks volunteers to facilitate support groups, staff the help line, and perform a variety of office support at its office in Lafayette. Call (800) 660-1993.

Assistance League of Diablo ValleyThis chapter of the National Assistance League seeks new volunteer members to help with a wide range of philanthropic service projects in many Contra Costa communities. These include vision screening in elementary schools, distributing clothing to school children in need, daily reassurance phone calls to homebound elderly and handicapped clients, and staffing the chapter's Lafayette thrift shop. Call 934-0901 or visit http://diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

Blackhawk Museum Docent Training If you are interested in becoming a much appreciated part of the Blackhawk Museum family while contributing to your community, making new friends, learning new things, and having fun, become a docent! Training is from 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays, Nov. 7- mid-June 2006, at the Blackhawk Museum. For information, contact Norma at 736-2277 ext. 238.

Contra Costa Academy of Fine ArtThe academy seeks new volunteers and members to help with tasks ranging from bookkeeping to recruiting instructors. The group meets noon-1 p.m., the second Friday of the month at Richard's Art & Craft Store, 225 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Call Beth Batchelor at 837-5654.

English Tutors NeededVolunteer s are needed to help non-English speaking adults to read, write and speak English well enough to function in our society. Three tutor-training workshops will be held on Feb. 4, 7 and 11 at Diablo Valley Literacy Council, 4000 Clayton Rd., Concord. There is a $15 non-refundable registration fee. for more information or to register, call Jane at 938-0139.

Lindsay Wildlife MuseumDocents are needed to lead class tours, teaching children and others about our important connection with wildlife and the world we share. Call 935-1978 or visit www.wildlife-museum.org.

Make a DifferenceReutlinger Community for Jewish Living (RCJL) in Danville provides assisted living, Alzheimer's and skilled nursing care in a community our residents call home. Volunteers play a key role at RCJL and opportunities are availabe for students and adults. For information, call Volunteer Coordinator Irma at 964-2098.

Museum of the San Ramon ValleyThe Museum of the San Ramon Valley welcomes volunteers and has a current need for greeters who give three hours one day a month to welcome visitors to the museum, register their attendance, and give them an introductory tour of the Waiting Room and the Museum Store. Call Carmen Curtis at 837-9781 or the museum at 837-3750 or stop by 205 Railroad Ave., Danville, from 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, or 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays if you are interested in donating your time to your community's heritage Museum.

Search and RescueThe Contra Costa County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year round. The program provides required training including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass, tracking disaster response and search skills, and may additionally include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.

Trails MaintenanceEast Bay Trail Dogs is an all-volunteer group that has built, repaired and helped maintain single-track trails in the East Bay Regional Park District, the Mt. Diablo State Park, and Walnut Creek open space. Volunteers meet the fourth Saturday and one weekday each month. To participate, call Harry at 443-3925.

Tri-Valley Animal RescueTri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) offers volunteer orientations from 1-2:30 p.m., the second Saturday of each month at East County Animal Shelter (ECAS) in Dublin. Contact Noella Hartshorn at 846-0745 or e-mail noellehartshorn@comcast.net for information.

Volunteer InterpretersThe California Medical Association seeks community volunteer interpreters for Contra Costa County to assist physicians when other interpretation resources are not an option. If you possess a proficiency in any foreign language and experience interpreting in a health care setting, you are encouraged to apply. Contact CMA at (866) 241-4262, or e-mail communityvip@cmanet.org.